Advance Comfort Systems (ACS) are technologies which can dynamically respond to climate fluctuations and occupant variations with purpose of providing quantum improvements in environmental qualities, human productivity, and whole building performance. Of particular interest are intelligent envelope systems and task comfort systems including materials, controls, and technological developments related to advance comfort systems. Many researchers from a broad range of disciplines related to comfort technologies and advanced comfort systems have been isolated from each other and lack a common data base and a forum for interchange. A two day workshop on "Advanced Comfort Systems for the Work Enviromment in Buildings" is proposed. The workshop is planned for the Spring of 1988, and its major goal is to provide a forum in which national and international leaders in advanced comfort systems can present, demonstrate and discuss these early developments and results, and also to formulate a comprehensive research agenda. The specific objectives are: (1) To establish a broad understanding of the theories and practices of advanced comfort systems and their interrelationship; (2) to further converge these diverse fields of research and fragmented date base; (3) to develop an inclusive approach to research and the potential affect of such advanced systems on the construction industry and the occupants in the work environment; (4) to develop a public agenda for research issues and priorities in this area; and, (5) to formulate a strategy for continuum interchange and research implementation. The workshop will be organized by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Center for Architectural Research and School of Engineering in collaboration with an interdisciplinary group of research and practice- based professionals actively concerned with major advances and innovations in building comfort systems. Leaders from industry, universities, and research laboratories from the U.S., Japan, and Europe will be invited to the workshop. A comprehensive workshop report will he prepared for appropriate distribution. The Principal Investigator has had direct experience in both the proposed research area and in organizing and sponsoring conferences. The institutional support is very appropriate and the budget is modest for effort. An award is recommended.
